Lacking everything or not lacking anything

Today we had the pleasure of meeting Micah, his wife, his mother Alberta and daughter Kwenele.  Pastor Thwala found out months ago that they had been living with other family members and were ultimately forced out by coercion and violence only to be left looking for shelter.  We were able to spend the day with them painting their new home with an amazing view of the land of 1,000 hills.  I’m reminded of the verse-

“Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you faced trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverence finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

This family was filled with pure joy and love, facing circumstances that would cause others to crumble.  Not lacking anything.

We started the day at Ntshongweni primary school with hundreds of smiling kids and their amazing teachers.  Hear their singing below, it was beautiful.  Vicar Ken shared a message and the team delivered backpacks filled with school supplies to teachers that were so grateful for help.  I was thinking of all the stories these kids could share about adversity they are facing in their lives and can see perseverance abounding in them.  Not lacking anything.